The IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness) held its 2018 National competition last Sunday (13 May 2018) at the School of the Arts (SOTA) Theatre. This competition in Singapore, was coordinated by the Singapore Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (SFBF), which is the only organisation in Singapore sanctioned by the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB).

The IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness) held its 2018 National competition at the School of the Arts (SOTA) Theatre. Photo: SFBF

More than 80 Athletes participated and came from countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Ghana, China, Italy, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Iran and Russia.

Athletes from Singapore were competing in the National Championships for the coveted Mr. and Miss Singapore 2018 titles plus the overall winners from each championship category will earn their IFBB Elite Pro Cards.

“The number of local and international athletes taking part in this competition is indeed very encouraging for the sport in Singapore. We hope that this seeding number will help increase interest in the sport and over time more locals will take part in future competition both locally and internationally. The SFBF is here to help all athletes to improve their skills and to impart knowledge and expertise in this sport especially to Singaporeans,” stated Mr. Alex Betts, President of SFBF.

All the foreign athletes were fighting for top spots in the International Championships. Singaporean Athletes were able to join both the national and international championships, whereas the foreign athletes were only allowed to take part in the international championships.

Competitors of all ages and levels of experience were taking part with the addition of categories such as ‘Newcomers’, ‘Juniors’ and ‘Masters’.

“Today’s performances were extremely electrifying and the atmosphere was so energetic. This competition will help expose local athletes to the international arena and let then experience what higher level competition is like. With this pool of experienced athletes we hope to be able to bring back more medals for Singapore,” said Ms. Excell Chua, Secretary-General of SFBF.

For the athletes that won their Elite Pro Cards, a new chapter in their competitive Bodybuilding and Fitness careers has opened, allowing them to compete as professionals with attractive cash prizes and to be able to compete with the very best in the world.

“I am extremely happy to have won the Mr. Singapore Men’s Bodybuilding title and earning my IFBB Elite Pro Card. The hard work and all the time spent on preparing myself physically and psychologically has paid off. I am proud to go on representing Singapore in the Internationals,” said Mr. Sam Enaya.

This sport has indeed made me more aware of the body and our limitless boundaries. I am happy to have won the Ms Singapore and look forward to the international championships where I can represent Singapore. It has always been my dream to stand on the world stage and hopefully win a title for my country,” stated Ms. Nadiah AJ, Overall Winner for Women’s Bikini Fitness, who also earned her IFBB Elite Pro Card.

The SFBFs next event is the Show of Strength in October at Marina Bay Sands. The date will be finalised in the next few weeks. This is a multi-strength sports event which includes bodybuilding and fitness, strongman, powerlifting, arm wrestling and much more. There will also be some new, exciting categories included in the bodybuilding and fitness championships which will no doubt attract even more athletes to compete!

The SFBF will be running the National Championships every year moving forward and look forward to seeing more and more participation from local athletes as the sport continues to flourish.